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September 16, 2013

CarGo Will Be Available, Mets Unlikely To Be Suitors

Photo Courtesy of RockiesReview.com

Rumor has it the Colorado Rockies will in fact entertain offers for slugging outfielder, Carlos Gonzalez, this winter. He had been in the midst of the stellar season that featured a .302 BA, with 26 HR and 70 RBI until a sprained middle finger sidelined him in early August. He missed nearly a full month of play before appearing as a defensive replacement multiple times this month, but has not batted and appears unlikely to do so.

Gonzalez led the National League in home runs at the All-Star break this season, but was ineligible to appear in the Home Run Derby due to a hand injury not unsimilar to the one that's ultimately ended his season. In addition to being amongst the most formidable sluggers available this winter, he also remains under contract through the 2017. As a result, it will take quite a haul to secure his services.

As per the New York Daily News' John Harper, the Rockies will seek a position player oriented package, due to the fact that pitchers often struggle at high altitude. Harper goes on to explain that the Rockies remain unimpressed with the position players the Mets have to offer, which could leave them on the outside looking if/when he is dealt in the months to come.

Its no secret that the Mets best prospects are pitchers, however the team has said they will not move top prospect, Noah Syndergaard, and remains hesitant to deal anyone who could impact the rotation next season as a result of the injury to Matt Harvey. As a result, a position player package would have to revolve around the likes of Wilmer Flores, Ike Davis, Lucas Duda, Matt den Dekker, etc. In any case, these players either haven't carved out a role at the major league level or find their role in question going forward.

As a result, none will have the impact potential necessary to acquire Gonzalez from the Rockies in the months to come. While it's assured that the Mets will find their way into the rumor mill, they may be forced to turn their sights to Marlin's slugger, Giancarlo Stanton, if he too becomes available. With all the farm system building the front office has done in recent years, it would be a shame if they don't have the horses to land one of the biggest fish on the market this winter, but that remains to be seen. Which would be a better fit in Queens has been the topic of much debate, but at this point that may unfortunately be a moot point.